- KPop Demon Hunters has emerged from streaming to become a rare hit on US pop radio.
- The animated film’s soundtrack grossed more than $3.2M USD in 2025, indicating a breakout IP rather than an unexpected success.
- Chart milestones, awards, and significant toy deals highlight the franchise's global expansion.
KPop Demon Hunters, Netflix's animated hit, continues to reform the global music and entertainment scene. Its second official song, How It's Done, has joined its forerunner, Golden, on U.S. pop radio, elevating the series to an elite industry status.
Golden from the KPop Demon Hunters original soundtrack (OST) became the first female K-pop single to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100, proving the genre's tremendous global appeal. While it topped the Pop Airplay chart for three weeks, it experienced a minor radio drop in early 2026, now ranking second behind Rosé and Bruno Mars' Apt.
The OST's popularity continues with HUNTR/X, the lead female group of the film, which consists of Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami. Their other single from the film, How It's Done, entered the U.S. pop radio chart at No. 40, and is expected to reach No. 37 soon. This shift indicates that KPop Demon Hunters has successfully transitioned from a popular streaming content to a mainstream radio power.
KPop Demon Hunters OST Revenues Signal a Breakout IP, Not a One-Time Hit Movement
Based on Billboard estimations through Luminate’s data, tracks from Netflix's surprise blockbuster success KPop Demon Hunters have grossed more than $3.2 million USD in 2025. By mid-2025, HUNTR/X's Golden had produced $1.39M in cumulative master and publishing royalties from streaming, digital downloads, and radio airplay.
While Your Idol, sung by HUNTR/X's in-story rivals the Saja Boys, has earned nearly $1M in revenue. Your Idol was also reportedly averaging 19.1M weekly U.S. streams and had accumulated 1.022M song-equivalent units domestically. Notably, another Saja Boys song, Soda Pop, was averaging about 16.3M weekly listens in the United States at that time. This, in turn, has helped the song generate around $840,000 in earnings from its master and publishing rights.
HUNTR/X Joins K-Pop’s Rarest Club on U.S. Pop Radio
With this new breakthrough, HUNTR/X has now joined BLACKPINK, Twice, and (G)I-DLE as the only female K-pop groups with numerous Pop Airplay hits, while also rivaling soloists such as Bibi (two songs). This success also provides HUNTR/X from KPop Demon Hunters a competitive edge against BTS, who logs an immense presence in this particular chart with nine songs.
KPop Demon Hunters has also emerged as a historic awards candidate apart from its radio success. Golden has received multiple Grammy nods and Oscar nominations for Best Original Song, a first for the genre, while the film itself has been nominated for Best Animated Feature. By dominating the global music scene and prestigious awards, KPop Demon Hunters has established itself as a major cultural phenomenon rather than being just another sideshow.
Merchandising Deals Push KPop Demon Hunters Beyond Radio and Screens
Alongside music sales, KPop Demon Hunters' global appeal has prompted license arrangements with Mattel and Hasbro for toys and merchandising, indicating a developing economic stream linked to the series. The Mattel toys were unveiled just a few hours ago at the Spielwarenmesse, Nuremberg's International Toy Fair, and are set to be rolled out later this year.
Fans can now preview the Mattel KPop Demon Hunters range in a variety of categories, spanning dolls, action figures, games, and collectibles priced from $5.39 to $165. Fans can pick Polly Pocket capsules, UNO, and keychains for less than $7, while action figures, Little People sets, and singing fashion dolls range in price from $20 to $54. The 18-inch American Girl dolls Rumi, Mira, and Zoey are priced at $165. Meanwhile, the American Girl KPop Demon Hunters set, which includes individual dolls of Rumi, Zoey, and Mira, is now available for pre-order on the official website of American Girl. Their shipping is estimated to take place by November 27 of this year.
American Girl
Earlier in November 2025, Mattel Creations began accepting pre-orders for a $150 premium, limited-edition HUNTR/X collector's 3-pack. This set comprises Rumi, Mira, and Zoey in their deluxe "final performance" attire, which have 11 points of movement and come with their signature weapons (saingeom, sinkal, and woldo). Reportedly, the collection, aimed at collectors aged 14 and up, sold out swiftly and is slated for delivery in December 2026.
Hasbro also provided a sneak peek at many new toys that will be available at major shops in July. The range includes character-inspired NERF weapons, including Zoey's Spirit Blades, Rumi's Four Tiger Sword, and Mira's Curved Moon Sword, as well as electronic light sticks for HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys. The lineup also includes Furby Furblets (Derpy Tiger and Saja Boy Demon) and a themed Monopoly game, giving fans a way to bring their favourite animated realm to life.
Following its debut on June 20, 2025, KPop Demon Hunters soared to the top of Netflix's all-time Most Popular Movies chart, solidifying the company's position as a global streaming giant. Within its first 91 days on the platform, the film received a phenomenal 325.1M views, equivalent to 541.8M hours watched, making it one of Netflix's best-performing animated launches. Taking all of its successes together, KPop Demon Hunters shows that it has grown into a successful international IP, challenging major stalwarts in various sectors like film, songs, toys, and more.
